%0 Book %E Parson, Ann B. %T The Proteus Effect: Stem Cells and Their Promise for Medicine %@ 978-0-309-09737-6 %D 2004 %U https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/11003/the-proteus-effect-stem-cells-and-their-promise-for-medicine %> https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/11003/the-proteus-effect-stem-cells-and-their-promise-for-medicine %I The National Academies Press %C Washington, DC %G English %K Biology and Life Sciences %P 312 %X Stem cells could be the key that unlocks cures to scores of diseases and illnesses. Their story is at once compelling, controversial, and remarkable. Part detective story, part medical history, The Proteus Effect recounts the events leading up to the discovery of stem cells and their incredible potential for the future of medicine. What exactly are these biological wonders – these things called stem cells? They may be tiny, but their impact is earth shaking, generating excitement among medical researchers – and outright turmoil in political circles. They are reported to be nothing short of miraculous. But they have also incited fear and mistrust in many. Indeed, recent research on stem cells raises important questions as rapidly as it generates new discoveries. The power of stem cells rests in their unspecialized but marvelously flexible nature. They are the clay of life waiting for the cellular signal that will coax them into taking on the shape of the beating cells of the heart muscle or the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. With a wave of our medical magic wand, it’s possible that stem cells could be used to effectively treat (even cure) diseases such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and even baldness. But should scientists be allowed to pick apart four-day-old embryos in order to retrieve stem cells? And when stem cells whisper to us of immortality – they can divide and perpetuate new cells indefinitely – how do we respond? Stem cells are forcing us to not only reexamine how we define the beginning of life but how we come to terms with the end of life as well. Meticulously researched, artfully balanced, and engagingly told, Ann Parson chronicles a scientific discovery in progress, exploring the ethical debates, describing the current research, and hinting of a spectacular new era in medicine. The Proteus Effect is as timely as it is riveting. %0 Book %A National Research Council %T Science and Technology in Armenia: Toward a Knowledge-Based Economy %@ 978-0-309-09278-4 %D 2004 %U https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/11107/science-and-technology-in-armenia-toward-a-knowledge-based-economy %> https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/11107/science-and-technology-in-armenia-toward-a-knowledge-based-economy %I The National Academies Press %C Washington, DC %G English %K Biology and Life Sciences %K Industry and Labor %P 135 %X An NRC ad hoc committee analyzed the current status and future development potential of Armenia's science and technology base, including human and infrastructural resources and research and educational capabilities. The committee identified those fields and institutions offering promising opportunities for contributing to economic and social development, and particularly institutions having unique and important capabilities, worthy of support from international financial institutions, private investment sources, and the Armenian and U.S. governments. The scope of the study included both pure and applied research as well as education in science-related fields. The committee's report addresses the existing capacity of state and private research institutions, higher education capabilities and trends, scientific funding sources, innovative investment models, relevant success stories, factors hindering development of the science sector, potential domestic Armenian customers for scientific results and products, and opportunities for regional scientific collaboration. An Armenian language version of the report is also available.